Ivy league universities – yes or no?

By Aaron Calderon, Sep 11, 2017

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When you’re applying for college, everyone around you will always tell you to ‘aim high.’ What they really mean is that they want you to attend an Ivy League college. Of course, getting accepted to one of the eight Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Columbia, Princeton, Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, and Brown) would put you ahead of the game, and everyone would be impressed because of the name. But with the price of Ivy League schools impressive, some people are asking whether it is really worth it.

Yes: you stand out

When it comes to American colleges, there are eight that still stand out amongst the rest – the Ivy Leagues. There is still a divide when it comes to colleges, and Ivy League’s are still regarded as the elite. Because of this, those who attend an Ivy League school will automatically stand out compared to those who didn’t, as the name still holds a certain prestige. This would be advantageous when it comes to applying for jobs or graduate school, as employers would be more likely to employ someone with an Ivy League education.

No: times have changed

As the years have gone by, attitudes towards Ivy-League schools have changed. Decades earlier, nearly all of the American presidents were Ivy-League educated. Now, it is less common. Obama himself went to a non-Ivy League college before transferring to Columbia, Jimmy Carter was taught at Georgia Southwestern College and Richard Nixon was educated at Whittier College. This change shows that there is no reason why non-Ivy-League educated students should not achieve greatness.

Yes: It’s who you know

It’s no secret that some of the biggest names in business, politics and the modern world have been educated at Ivy League universities. This means the college has connections – and those connections could help you in the future. When it comes down to it, it is about what you know, but it’s also about who you know, and Ivy League schools give you a better chance of knowing the right people and networking before you enter the world of work.

No: they are competitive

When it comes to your college years, you’re supposed to learn and develop your craft, but you’re also meant to experience your life, make new friends and try things out of your comfort zone. However, Ivy League schools are notoriously strict – and the people there will not be your friends, they will be your competition. You will not have memorable college years. Instead, you’ll have constant stress and solidarity. Rather than offering you an experience to develop on your own, the Ivy League education will force you into it.

Yes: Impressive teachers

Ivy League schools are becoming increasingly more selective – which means they only select the best of the best. However, to be the best you also need to be taught by the best. Some of the most impressive leaders in their fields are asked to teach at Ivy League schools, and they are still considered to offer some of the best teachings in the world. And who wants anything less than the best when it comes to their education?

No: they are not the best anymore

Nowadays, more and more specialist colleges are making their way to the top spots. You have Technology colleges, you have engineering colleges – and if you want to be a techno-whiz or an engineer, these colleges will put you in better stead than an Ivy-League college. This is because Ivy League’s offer all-around education, but some employers want specialist skills and experience to get them ready for one specific field. The Ivy Schools do not do this.

Yes: More money

If you’re being accepted for better jobs, this normally means you’re starting on more money than the average graduate. In fact, a research study has found that the average starting salary for an Ivy-League graduate ranges from a whopping $49,400 to $59,600, which is 32% higher than a student who graduated from a non-Ivy-League school.

When it comes to Ivy League education, you need to weigh up your own wants and needs and decide what is best for you. It’s important to take into account the advice of teachers and your parents, but ultimately you should do what makes you happy. If that’s an Ivy League education, then good for you!